The Wall Street Journal's Bob Davis explains in must-read column what some of us have known for a while now: poll-driven attacks on China may score some cheap political points, but they also have some really nasty consequences. The entire item is well worth your time, but here are some key sections:

WASHINGTON — Republicans say President Barack Obama’s second-term agenda will bring more tax increases and increase deficit spending. They’re vowing to promote economic growth to help middle-class families find good jobs.
Republicans are responding to Obama’s State of the Union address with fresh appeals to voters on the economy and promises to rein in federal spending with a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.